Normal Bone vs Osteoarthritis: What is the Difference?

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Joints have:

• Cartilage: Smoother and soft tissue layer covering the ends of each bone where movement of interaction with other bones and joints occur.
• Synovial Fluid: Slippery fluid acts as oil within a machine, aids in lubricating all the joints in the body.
• Ligaments and Tendons: Connect muscles to the bones while also binding and stabilizing them as tissues.

Healthy state of joints and bones would render a state of uttermost comfort without inflicting pain, inflammation, soreness or stiffness.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis – is the most diagnosed arthritis type, affecting a large percentage of elderly individuals. This is because aging, injury, or overuse can significantly restrict cartilage in the joints. It may stretch over a long period, but bones gradually begin to scrape against one another once the cartilage wears down. This leads to pain, swelling, and sometimes immobilization.

Primarily impacts joint bones such as the:

• Knees
• Spine
• Hips
• Fingertips and hands

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Swelling: Sensation felt around any joint that has been a shifting feeling when the joint is in use.
• Loss of flexibility: Has difficulty stretching or bending.
• Bone spurs: Additional bone fragments may develop around the joint and can be seen on X-rays.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

The following can amplify osteoarthritis severity:

• Ageing: Commonly seen in individuals above the age of 50.
• Previous joint injury: Injuries sustained from accidents or repetitive movements.

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

If you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, consulting an orthopaedic doctor is suggested. The diagnosis can be done through:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: The doctor will inquire about symptoms and perform checking of the movement within the joint.
• X-rays: To assess joint cavity, bone spurs, and the damage to cartilage.
• MRI (in some cases): Gives detailed images of the cartilage and soft tissues.
• Blood tests: Done to check for other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

Although there is no permanent solution, osteoarthritis can be effectively managed. Treatment differs based on the severity of the condition:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Reducing weight can help ease pressure on the joints.

2. Medications

• Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or paracetamol.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling.
• Topical ointments or creams to reduce localized discomfort.

3. Physiotherapy

• Joint movement and muscle strengthening exercises.
• Hot/cold pack application to manage inflammation and stiffness.

4. Support Devices

• Braces for the knee, shoe orthotics, and walking aids to reduce joint strain.

5. Injections

• Corticosteroid injections into the joint to alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Injections of hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication.

6. Surgery (if severe)

• Replacement of joints like knees or hips with prostheses is done when other interventions have failed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can young people get osteoarthritis?

Typically associated with older individuals, younger adults can also be affected by the condition due to injury, obesity, or genetic factors.

2. Is there a difference between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis?

Osteoarthritis involves both the joints and cartilage, while osteoporosis is defined by weakened and brittle bones.

3. Does diagnosing me with osteoarthritis automatically mean I will need surgery?

In most cases, no. The condition is well managed by lifestyle changes, medication, and physiotherapy. Surgery is only required in extreme cases.